For the students, theirs was Wednesday (June 3) My little 5-year-olds (turned six during, and some would, after the school year) said their last chanting of “Goodbye teacher, Goodbye classmates” but when they came to the part of “See you tomorrow” (or we say see you on Monday, if the goodbye chant is recited on a Friday) they all stopped and stared at me. They are in a habit of doing that when they have a question -an unspoken one this time. I casually instructed them to say “See you around” most of them would be seeing each other in the neighborhood, but I know I won’t, I don’t live in their neighborhood.
Come next school year they would all be moving on to First Grade. It’s the same story every school year. One would think we should, as teachers, be use to it by now, well, as far as teaching is concerned, I have mastered the routine and the transition stories and procedures, but the pain of letting go, is as fresh as it has been the previous years. Every time a school year ends, a teacher dies a slow death. I know it’s coming so I try to brace myself; I prepare despite… and believe that with death is rebirth of spirit. I know a part of me will now go with them for always.
It is inevitable that one should feel sad when parting, after spending eight hours a day for over half a year with the same faces. At the end of a school year, they’re no longer just names with faces. By now, I already know their story; I know what makes them excited, sad, fearful . . . happy! For not so long ago, my world revolved around them, they were mine as much as I am theirs.
But the pain is short-lived. Come next school year, when school opens, it would be a joy to see them in their over-sized “new” school uniform, with their “new” teeth coming out (a lot of them lost a lot of their milk teeth in Kinder, it’s this grade level! We even have a tooth chart!) Can hardly wait to see their faces that would be beaming with pride, hear their little feet marching with confidence and their eyes looking out with enthusiasm for First Grade. I know they would be ready; I endeavored to make them ready and excited! It would be a new and fresh start for them as well as for me . . . yes, rebirth!
So, for the last goodbye chant last Wednesday, I made my students say Goodbye kindergarten, Hello first grade! And it was uttered with excitement and anticipation.
Congratulations, 2009 graduates!
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8 comments:
oh, i feel your joy Tes. though I do not work with kids, but everytime I am around them, I always am amazed at their curiosity plus their cuteness. I think it is so much joy being with them, and seeing them grow for the better each day. there may be some pains in teaching, but the joy of seeing someone happy with what they have achieved is just so incomparable.
They are so cute, in their little caps and gowns. I can not imagine saying goodbye every year, and then starting with a new batch. The circle of life of teaching, you might say.
Teaching kids is something else, not everybody has such talents with kids.
Kids are so fun to be with...so are you missing them all now?
Yes, Beth. It is such a delight to see how much they've learned in less than a year. Some of them came to school not knowing how to hold a pencil and left for summer with paper filled with paragraphs they have written!
Oh yes, Melissa, it is difficult to say goodbye to them after that bonding.
I do miss them a lot, Ayie. Some of them have my number and calls me once in awhile. . .
You won't be able to recognise them a few years later.Just like my son who grows fatter and fatter after leaving the kindergarten.
It's fun to be with kids, I am not a teacher but I enjoy being with kids. Yours is not an easy job but I'm glad you're enjoying it.
Thanks for visiting and leaving a comment. :) Happy Weekend!
I just feel so proud of your achievements :) I bet these kids will love you till they will have kids of their own. :)
Thanks, everyone!
I feel the same way about them, Nhil. They will always be my five-year olds, even when they already have kids of their own. . .
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